Transparent Assignment Design
Using Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) to Enhance Equity, Student Success, and Instructor Satisfaction
The Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework empowers educators to increase transparency in their instructional practices to champion student success. By making learning processes and assessment criteria explicit, TILT enhances students’ sense of belonging, confidence, retention, metacognitive awareness, skill development, and workplace readiness (Winkelmes et al., 2019). Research demonstrates that transparent teaching methods significantly benefit historically marginalized students, particularly first-generation college students and underserved populations (Winkelmes, 2013; Gianoutsos & Winkelmes, 2016; Winkelmes et al., 2019).
How TILT Works
TILT supports intentional assignment design, ensuring that students clearly understand:
- Purpose. Why are students learning specific material, and how does it connect to course objectives, future coursework, and career readiness?
- Tasks. What are students expected to complete, and what is the step-by-step process for doing so?
- Criteria. What criteria will be used to evaluate their work?
Impact of Transparent Design
On student success:
Implementing a single transparent assignment per course can significantly enhance student outcomes.
On professors:
TILT is:
- Easy-to-implement
- Does not require a complete course redesign.
- Reduces time explaining
Implementing Transparency: A Structured Approach
The TILT framework encourages educators to make assignments more transparent, but how can this be done effectively? The three key elements of a transparent assignment—Purpose, Task, and Criteria—provide a structured approach to improving assignment clarity and student understanding.
- Purpose: Why Does This Assignment Matter?
Clearly communicate the learning goals of the assignment by aligning it with your course objectives. A short, explicit purpose statement helps students understand its relevance. Example: “This assignment will help you develop critical reading and analytical skills essential for constructing strong arguments in your final research project.”
- Task: What are the Steps to Completion?
The task section answers the questions: What steps are required to complete the assignment successfully? Which steps might lead students astray? This inclusive approach will clarify your expectations, keeping students on track while addressing knowledge and skill gaps. For example:
- Create a one-sentence thesis statement.
- Find two relevant course materials and one peer-reviewed journal article related to the topic.
- Reflect on two or three connections to real-life experiences based on guiding questions.
Tip: Break your assignments into milestones, using dates to guide your students.
- Criteria: What Does Success Look Like?
Explicitly define what high-quality work looks like by providing:
- Examples that clarify the difference between excellent and adequate performance.
- Rubrics or checklists to promote self-assessment and peer feedback.
We are here to support you in making your assignments more transparent. Feel free to reach out to us at tep@uoregon.edu For more resources and examples of transparent assignments across disciplines, visit the TILT Higher Ed website.
References
Gianoutsos, D., & Winkelmes, M. A. (2016). Navigating with transparency: Enhancing underserved student success through transparent learning and teaching in the classroom and beyond.
Winkelmes, M. A. (2009). TILT Higher Ed Examples and Resources. TILT Higher Education. https://www.tilthighered.com/resources
Winkelmes, M. A. (2013). Transparency in Teaching: Faculty Share Data and Improve Students' Learning. Liberal Education, 99(2), n2.
Winkelmes, M. A., Boye, A., & Tapp, S. (2019). Transparent Design in Higher Education Teaching and Leadership: A Guide to Implementing the Transparency Framework Institution-Wide to Improve Learning and Retention. Stylus Publishing LLC.